Snow Removal Device and Method

ABSTRACT

A snow removal device comprising a pad or mat assembly having a bottom surface and a top surface and a plurality of flexible vertical blades having alternating, variable lengths that extend from both the bottom surface and top surface. The varying lengths of blades help prevent the blades positioned at the bottom surface of the pad assembly from freezing to the ground when the device is in use. Reinforced ergonomic handles with flexible, gripped covers are incorporated into the pad assembly for lifting and moving the device from one location to another and for inclining the surface so that accumulated snow falls off. At least two vertically extending poles with flags are positioned diagonally opposite one another at corners of the device so that a user can determine the precise location of the device after it is submerged in snow.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to a snow removal device and method for using same. More specifically, the invention involves a snow removal unit for the rapid, manual transfer of snow from one location to another and which obviates the need to engage in the task of shoveling walkways and other surfaces for nearly all except the heaviest volumes of snowfall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Manual, gas-powered and electrical-powered devices are all among those used in connection with the removal of snow. From all manner of hand-held shovels to gas-powered snow blowers to large trucks fitted with snow plows, many have utilized a number of different means to transfer, move aside or push snow from one point to another. While the industry practices of utilizing snow blowers and large trucks fitted with plows are somewhat effective and necessary in the context of large roadways and thoroughfares, they are largely ill-suited for more limited areas, such as residential walkways, small stretches of sidewalk and personal driveways, where removal of vast amounts of snow is not essential. Likewise, these devices typically cost a minimum of a few hundred dollars (for the electrically-powered versions) to over a $1,000 for the heavy duty gas powered machines that are used to clear large public areas.

In more recent years, many users have tried using one-, two- and three-staged gas-powered snow blowers to create paths and relocate accumulated snow. These machines have a powerful combustion engine and a snow clearing system that allows the machine to clear the heaviest snow fall in the most efficient manner. For example, two- and three-stage snow blowers typically have an auger that does not make contact with the ground and which scoops up snow which is passed to an impeller fan. The impeller fan then blows the snow up through a snow chute, where it is thrown up to 50 feet away, depending on the power of the machine. Multi-stage snow blowers are particularly useful in areas where the ground is not paved. Since they do not make contact with the ground, there is minimal risk of lifting up gravel or other debris with the auger that could potentially damage the impeller fan or present safety hazards if flung out of the snow chute.

Although gas powered snow blowers and other powered snow removal toots are effective in rapidly moving large amounts of snow with minimal manual effort by an individual, they are designed to be ill-equipped for use on paved surfaces. Indeed, since many of them do not make contact with the ground, the augers of gas-powered snow blowers will necessarily leave a thin layer of snow behind by design so that gravel and pebbles from the ground are not lifted up and propelled by the machine. Over time, in sub-freezing temperatures, a thin, treacherous and slippery layer of snow and ice develops. In order to alleviate this concern, users may supplement the use of a snow blower with a shovel to manually move the remaining thin layer of snow. Alternatively, users typically must disperse salts that are well-known for melting snow, such as calcium chloride, CaCl₂, and the like. For these reasons larger two- and three-stage snow blowers are not always recommended for clearing paved walkways, driveways or sidewalks.

Smaller, one-stage gas-powered snow blowers, which typically have an auger that makes contact with the ground, are more ideally suited for paved surfaces and residential walkways and driveways. However, these machines also fall short when utilized on uneven, irregular or imperfect surfaces that are prevalent in brick, concrete and asphalt walkways and driveways. Thus, even though smaller snow blowers perhaps perform better than their larger counterparts with light to moderate snowfalls, they too are not completely effective, also leaving a layer or streaks of snow after use that requires supplemental shoveling or melting salts.

By the same token, even the most ergonomic and full-featured manually operated snow shovels typically do not capture all of the snow that accumulates on the ground after a storm. After completing the task of shoveling, users invariably encounter patches of snow and/or ice in a path or driveway after it has been recently shoveled. Causes for these patches range from uneven ground, to the inability of the edge of the shovel to get underneath the snow, to the snow melting in the sunlight and refreezing before it is removed. Aside from applying expensive ice-melting salts, there is no easier way to remove the snow and ice product that remains.

Thus, there is a need for removing snow down to the surface once it has accumulated on the ground after a storm without having to resort to expensive snow blowers, oft-ineffective shovels and ice-melting salts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the deficiencies and drawbacks in the prior art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide snow removal unit for the rapid, manual transfer of snow from one location to another and which obviates the need to resort to expensive snow blowers, oft-ineffective shovels and ice-melting salts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a snow removal unit for use on residential walkways and driveways and rooftops.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a snow removal unit with a location identification means to identify the position of the unit after it is submerged in snow.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a snow removal unit for use in removing excessive snow and/or ice accumulated adjacent to tires of a motor vehicle partially buried in snow after a snow storm, thus providing sufficient traction to the tires to help draw the motor vehicle out of the snow.

Additional objectives will be apparent from the description of the invention that follows.

In summary, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a snow removal device comprising a pad assembly having a bottom surface and a top surface and a plurality of flexible vertical blades having alternating, variable lengths that extend from both the bottom surface and top surface. The varying lengths of blades help prevent the blades positioned at the bottom surface of the pad assembly from freezing to the ground when the device is in use. Reinforced ergonomic handles with flexible, gripped covers are incorporated into the pad assembly for lifting and moving the device from one location to another and for inclining the surface so that accumulated snow falls off. At least two vertically extending poles with flags are positioned diagonally opposite one another at corners of the device so that a user can determine the precise location of the device after it is submerged in snow.

There is also provided herein an improved method for removing snow from a walkway or from an area directly in front of and/or behind the tires of a motor vehicle by providing a snow removal device of the present invention, placing the device on a walkway, in front of and/or behind the tires of a motor vehicle, waiting for snow to accumulate onto the pad assembly, identifying the location of the pad assembly by the flags positioned at the corners of the device, lifting the mat or pad assembly by its handle(s) and moving the mat assembly to clear the ground from snow.

Additional features of the snow removal device and method are described below in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-described and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings of which

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the snow removal unit of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the snow removal unit of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the snow removal unit with locator poles and flags positioned at the corners of the unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the snow removal device 10 of the present invention. The snow removal device 10 comprises a substantially planar mat or pad assembly 12 having a top surface 14 and a bottom surface 16. In a standard configuration for a walkway, each pad 12 may be sized at approximately 3′×5′, however, it should be appreciated that the pad 12 can be customized to any number of dimensions and geometric shapes and to fit walkways and steps having very specific dimensions. Likewise, although a number of discrete devices 10 may be utilized to cover a long or spacious walkway, it should be understood that the device may be customized and formed in contiguous longer and wider lengths as desired by a user.

Extending from both the top surface 14 and bottom surface 16 are substantially vertical blades or protrusions 20, with the top surface blades 22 extending vertically upward from pad 10 and the bottom surface blades 24 extending vertically downward from the pad 10. As depicted in the drawings, the blades 20 are predominantly flat and rectangular and in close proximity to one another. Alternate geometric and even irregular forms may be utilized to construct the blades. For example, cylindrical or conical or pyramidal blades (optionally, with smooth hemispherical tips) may be utilized instead of the flat rectangular blades depicted in the drawings. These forms, particularly the conical and pyramidal, may provide for additional stability since that the bases of these geometric shapes are wider and thicker as compared to their tips. In a preferred embodiment, the blades 20 also are oriented in a grid or network forming rows and/or columns, with spaces therebetween visible down to the pad 10. Within those spaces on the pad 10, small water drainage apertures may be provided for drainage of water when snow that accumulates on the device 10 subsequently melts.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment of the snow removal device 10, the pad 12 serves to bisect device 10. Although the pad 12 preferably bisects device 10, it should be understood, for example, that the relative position of the pad 10 may be lowered to provide for a relatively shallower length of bottom surface blades 24 (and longer top surface blades 22). Conversely, the relative position of the pad 10 may be raised slightly to provide for a relatively deeper length of bottom surface blades 24 (and shorter top surface blades 22).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the top surface blades 22 and the bottom surface blades 24 alternate between a longer blade and a shorter blade. The presence of blades 24 on the bottom surface 16 combined with alternating blade lengths of bottom surface blades 24 help reduce the surface contact of the device 10 with the ground or walkway when it is in use. These features help prevent the device 10 from freezing to the ground during a storm a situation that is otherwise more likely when temperatures prior to a storm hover above freezing but drop after the storm commences. Under these weather conditions, water from initial precipitation is more prone to freezing, thus rendering the bottom surface blades 24 and their alternating lengths particularly effective after accumulation of snow and freezing temperatures endure for some time. Notably, the alternating blade lengths also enable the blades 22 that are exposed on the top surface to create an anti-slip surface for pedestrians who traverse the surface before, during or after a snowfall.

In a preferred embodiment, the longest blades are approximately 0.5-1 inch in length and the shorter blades preferably measure less than 0.5 inches. When combined with the thickness of the mat into which the blades are incorporated, the device has a preferred thickness in the range of 1.25-2.50 inches, and most preferably in the range of 1.50-1.75 inches.

While the figures of the preferred embodiment of the present invention depict blades 20 that alternate between the longer blades and shorter blades on a 1:1 basis (e.g., long blade, short blade, long blade, short blade), it should be appreciated that the blades may incorporatethree or more varying lengths and in varying ratios. For example, when three lengths are utilized, a pattern may be formed with individual sections of blades, comprising 21 individual blades. At each section the longest blade is placed in the center, surrounded (in a square or circular configuration) by 8 intermediate length blades and finally surrounded (in a square or circular configuration) by 12 blades of the shortest blades. Also when three or more lengths are utilized the, respective lengths of the blades may vary along the spectrum of 0.1 to 1 inch in length for each blade. By the same token in should be understood that when creating patterns of blades or projections with two or more alternate lengths, the blades or projections may be positioned together in individual groupings, wherein each group of blades form a square, circular or other geometric pattern or configuration, and is then repeated across the area of the pad. In one embodiment, the pattern or configuration may form a checkerboard pattern, or a column and/or row patte of groupings.

Referring to FIG. 2, with respect to the bottom surface blades 24 that protrude from the bottom surface 16, the edges or tips 26 of the longer blades that are distributed on the bottom surface 16 of the pad 12 generally define a bottom surface plane that contacts a walkway or ground when the snow removal device 10 is placed down and in use. Notably, the longer bottom surface blades 24 are adapted in both thickness and strength to support the weight of the device 10, preferably with minimal flexion caused by supporting its own weight. As snow accumulates or as a pedestrian steps on the device 10, some of the longer bottom surface blades 24 are prone to flex, thus artificially reducing its ‘height’ and thereby transferring some of the weight to the shorter bottom surface blades 24 in the vicinity of the flexing longer blades 24. Even during extreme moments of flexion, it should be appreciated that the overall surface area contact of the bottom surface blades 24 with the ground is still relatively low and preferably no more 25%-50% of the total surface area of the pad 12.

The pad 12 is preferably formed of a material having a fair degree of flexibility commensurate with the materials from which it may be formed, included rubber, nylon and other plastics known in the art. In contrast with a generally rigid section of plywood, the preferred degree of flexibility enables the pad 12 to flex with the incline(s) of the walkway or ground that may be situated beneath the pad 12 so as to maintain a generally planar surface, but without forming conspicuous depressions if the ground beneath is uneven or bumpy. Likewise, the blades 20 may be formed of the same or similar materials used to form the pad 12. While similar classes of materials may be utilized, it should be appreciated that the pad 12 and blade 20 may be formed of different materials and may be specified to have different degrees of rigidity and flexibility without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Incorporated into two of the lateral edges of the pad 12 are a plurality of handles 30 for lifting and moving the device from one location to another and for inclining the top surface 14 so that accumulated snow falls off. Depending on the overall weight of the pad, additional handles may be incorporated into the same lateral edges to allow a user to move the device 10 using two grips. Likewise, when the device 10 incorporates a square, rectangular or other polygon, handles may be provided on all sides thereof. In a preferred embodiment, handles 30 are reinforced and ergonomic with flexible, gripped covers that are either molded into the pad 12 or are attached to the pad 12 after its formation. Although it is preferable for the handles to be incorporated into the surface of the pad 12, exterior handles positioned at or near the perimeter of the pad 12 may also be attached to the pad instead of or in addition to handles 30.

In an alternate embodiment, the blades adjacent to the edges of the snow removal unit may be tapered to allow for a gradual decrease in height from the center of the pad outwardly toward the edges. In such an embodiment, heights of the alternating blades on the bottom surface of the device may remain the same as set forth in connection with other preferred embodiments, forming a generally uniform surface, albeit with alternating blade lengths. In yet another embodiment, the blades on the bottom surface may be constructed so as to be uniformly shorter across the entire surface (as compared to the blades along the top surface) in order to keep the pad lower to the ground. Furthermore, in any embodiment, the edges may be brightly colored to help delineate the borders of the device.

As shown in FIG. 3, two sets of two flags .40 are provided on flexible poles 42 at the corners of the snow removal unit 10. Each set or pair of flags are preferably positioned diagonally opposite one another at corners of the device 10 so that a user can determine the precise location of the device after it is submerged in snow. Flags 40 may also be positioned on the same side of the pad 12 so as to identify the relative location of the handle 30 that a user may employ to move device 10. Each flag 40 and pole 42 combination is selectively removable from depressions, apertures, holders or connectors 44 provided on or within the surface of the pad 12. When device 10 is customized to form polygons or irregular shapes, the location of each flag 40 and pole 42 may be suited to each user as desired.

It should be understood that suitable flag holding means 44 may be positioned on both the bottom surface 16 of the pad 12 as well as its top surface 14 in order to enable device 10 to be flipped over and used oi both its sides interchangeably. More specifically, an single aperture at each corner of the pad 12 (that passes through the entire thickness of the pad) may be provided to receive a pole 42 with a flag 42, regardless of which side of the pad faces upward. The ability to flip the pad 12 and use both sides interchangeably is most effective when the top surface blades or protrusions 22 and bottom surface blades or protrusions 24 are of the same or substantially the same lengths, even when alternate forms of protrusions are utilized on each surface 14, 16. While flipping the pad 12 may not be necessary after each use, it is advantageous in that it permits the blades or protrusions 20 to ‘bounce back’ and regain their form after extended periods of flexion.

Another preferred embodiment of the snow removal device incorporates corporate or team logos or other visual indicia on the flags and/or incorporated on the top surface and/or bottom surface of the mat and its blades.

While the device 10 is predominantly intended for use in connection with walkways or paths to accommodate pedestrian traffic, it is also designed for use in removing excessive snow and/or ice accumulated adjacent to tires of a motor vehicle. In that regard, after a storm, motorists often find their motor vehicle partially buried in snow after a snow storm or from snow that is plowed off the main roadway to the side where motor vehicles are parked. By placing device 10 near the tires of a motor vehicle prior to a snow storm (i.e., in front of the front pair of tires and/or behind the rear pair of tires), a user can easily and rapidly remove the snow most closest to the tires which prevents the tires from gaining sufficient traction and the needed momentum draw the motor vehicle out of the snow.

The accompanying drawings only illustrate a snow removal unit, its constituent parts, and method of use. However, other types and styles are possible, and the drawings are not intended to be limiting in that regard. Thus, although the description above and accompanying drawings contains much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment(s) but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiment(s). The drawings and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiment(s) and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiment(s) of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A snow removal device for manually removing accumulated snow from the ground, comprising: a pad assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of protruding blades positioned on said top surface and on said bottom surface of said pad assembly; a plurality of handles for lifting and moving said pad assembly; and a plurality of flags, wherein said flags are positioned to identify and locate the position of said pad assembly when it is submerged in snow.
 2. The snow removal device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of protruding blades comprise blades having alternate lengths.
 3. The snow removal device of claim 2, wherein said alternate lengths comprise a first length and a second length, said first length being longer than said second length.
 4. The snow removal device of claim 3, wherein when said pad assembly is subject to force from the weight of snow positioned on top of said top surface, said plurality of blades having said first length are adapted to flex.
 5. The snow removal device of claim 1, wherein said pad assembly comprises a series of drainage apertures on said surface of said pad assembly.
 6. The snow removal device of claim 1, wherein said protruding blades are flat and rectangular.
 7. The snow removal device of claim 1, wherein said protruding blades are conical.
 8. The snow removal device of claim 1, wherein said protruding blades are cylindrical.
 9. The snow removal device of claim 1, wherein said protruding blades are pyramidal.
 10. The snow removal device of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of flags is attached to a pole and selectively fixed to flag holding means positioned on said pad assembly.
 11. The snow removal device of claim 1, wherein said handles are incorporated into said pad assembly.
 12. A snow removal device for manually removing accumulated snow from the ground, comprising: a pad assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of protrusions with tips, on said top surface and on said bottom surface of said pad assembly, said plurality of protrusions on said bottom surface defining a bottom surface plane that contacts said ground when said device in use; a plurality of handles for lifting and moving said pad assembly; a plurality of flags positioned to identify and locate the position of said pad assembly when it is submerged in snow; and a plurality of drainage apertures positioned on said pad assembly.
 13. The snow removal device of claim 12, wherein said plurality of protrusions define substantially vertical blades.
 14. The snow removal device of claim 13, wherein said blades have a flat rectangular configuration.
 15. The snow removal device of claim 13, wherein said vertical blades have different lengths along said bottom surface of said pad assembly.
 16. The snow removal device of claim 15, wherein said different lengths are alternating lengths comprising a longer blade followed by a shorter blade.
 17. A snow removal device for manually removing accumulated snow, comprising: a flexible pad assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of flexible protrusions on said top surface and on said bottom surface of said pad assembly; a plurality of handles attached to said pad assembly for lifting and moving said pad assembly; a flag positioned selectively removable from said pad assembly, said flag identifying and locating the position of said pad assembly when it is submerged in snow.
 18. The snow removal device of claim 17, wherein said flexible protrusions comprise protruding blades having alternate lengths.
 19. The snow removal device of claim 17, wherein said plurality of flexible protrusions on said bottom surface define a bottom surface plane
 20. The snow removal device of claim 17, wherein said plurality of flexible protrusion form a grid of rows and columns. 